France has something for every sense: the sight of the elm-lined Champs-Élysées lit up at night, the sound of church bells ringing out over Avignon, the full-bodied flavor of a ruby-red Bordeaux, the aroma of fresh-from-the-oven baguettes, the feel of centuries-old cobblestone beneath your feet. The world’s number-one travel destination has enough experiences to fill several lifetimes, and the greatest challenge facing a visitor is deciding what to do first. This far-ranging trip touches five of the country’s most beloved regions — Paris, the Loire, Bordeaux, Provence, and the Côte d'Azur — with signature experiences in each one.

It begins in Paris with shared tours of the extravagant Palace of Versailles and the city itself that take in can’t-miss landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. Next, it’s on to the Loire Valley, the sprawling UNESCO-protected “Garden of France” that’s home to lavish chateaus, medieval towns, and some of the country’s top vineyards. Stroll through the grounds on privately guided tours of historic French chateaus like Chenonceau, Chambord, and Cheverny. In Bordeaux, take a guided tour of three prestigious Médoc wineries (with a tasting session, of course) and explore the medieval village of Saint-Émilion. Later in Provence, tour the historic Roman-influenced town of Orange with a private guide before a wine-tasting appointment in a Châteauneuf-du-Pape cellar, then take a tour of the olive groves and vineyards, the Pont du Gard aqueduct, and hilltop towns like Gordes and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Last stop: Nice, where you’ll embark on a private walking tour of the Baroque city center before an afternoon in Monaco and a glamorous evening in Monte Carlo, complete with dinner on a terrace overlooking Casino Square. This grandest of tours concludes in red-carpet style with visits to Cannes, the perfume mecca of Grasse, medieval Gourdon, and enchanting Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
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Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.
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Day 1:Paris

Relax on a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver. Please note drivers may or may not speak English as their sole responsibility is to transfer clients from one location to another. If you would like to have the presence of an English speaking Assistant or Guide for your transfer, this can be pre-arranged upon request and would be subject to an additional supplement.

For your added comfort, we will have a Meet & Greet assistant waiting for you outside of customs. This assistant will have a sign with your name on it. Your representative will help you to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.

A welcome package with a city map, train tickets (if relevant), and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel du Palais (5*)

Set within an 18th-century building, the Grand Hotel is located in the heart of the city, 200 meters from the Louvre museum and Tuileries Gardens. A soothing, sumptuous escape, the hotel features neutral hues and a minimalist aesthetics. Best of all, it is steps away from the gardens of Palais Royal- just stroll through the colonnade across the street from the hotel's lobby and you will be transported to another time. The hotel offers modern upscale guestrooms furnished with elegant décor. The onsite restaurant serves delicious contemporary French cuisine. Other amenities include a Spa and a reasonably well-outfitted gym.

Paris

Grand Hotel du Palais (4*)

Day 2:Paris

Discover Versailles Palace, the symbol of France's grandeur during the reign of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Leave Paris by the western districts of the city and follow the Normandy motorway as far as Versailles in a luxury air conditioned coach. Your guide will take you straight in without standing in line and lead you through the most beautiful rooms including the Royal Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and the Queen’s private Apartment. Then enjoy some free time to explore the palace gardens. This tour has a central pick up and drop off point in the centre of Paris and hotel pick up and/or drop off is not provided. This tour includes entrance to Versailles Palace, authorisation fees for guided visits, and a multilingual guide with individual earphones. Please note that shared tours can have up to approximately 50 people (depending on the number of people that have signed up for the tour on the particular day, and are carried out in a number of languages). Note: from April 1st to October 28th, the entrance fees to the gardens are NOT INCLUDED: - On "MUSICAL FOUNTAIN DISPLAY" days ( Saturdays and Sundays from April 5th to October 26th + April 18th, May 8th, May 29th, August 15th)- On "MUSICAL GARDENS" days (Tuesdays from April 1st to May 13th and from July 1st to October 28th), on bank holidays.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel du Palais (5*)

Versailles

Day 3:Paris - Amboise

Enjoy a half day shared tour of Paris. On the tour, you will discover the monuments which have made Paris famous throughout the world: Place Vendôme - Opéra - Louvre museum - Notre Dame Cathedral - Pantheon Church - Luxembourg - Orsay Museum - Concorde Square - Champs-Elysées Avenue - Arch of Triumph - Eiffel Tower - Invalides. Visit the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower (Fast pass) which gives you a wonderful panoramic view. In case of an exceptional impossibility to access the 1st or 2nd floor, the Eiffel Tower will be replaced by the Montparnasse Tower (56th floor as height as 210 meters). Alternative arrangements will be made so please speak to your Destination Expert for further details. This tour has a central pick up point in the centre of Paris and hotel pick up and/or drop off is not provided. The tour ends at the Eiffel Tower. Please note that shared tours can have up to approximately 50 people (depending on the number of people that have signed up for the tour on the particular day, and are carried out in a number of languages).

Take a private train station transfer with a private vehicle and driver. Please note drivers may or may not speak English as their sole responsibility is to transfer clients from one location to another. If you would like to have the presence of an English speaking Assistant or Guide for your transfer this can be pre-arranged upon request and would be subject to an additional supplement.

Today you will take the train from Paris to Amboise in the heart of the Loire valley. There are usually plenty of trains throughout the day including high-speed trains. The trip duration is typically between one hour (high-speed train) and two and a half hours (regional train).

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Accommodation: Le Choiseul (4*)

Le Choiseul is a four-star castle hotel, comprised of three charming manor houses dating from the 15th and 18th century. Overlooking the River Loire, Le Choiseul sits at the foot of Château d’Amboise. Close to most of the Loire Valley’s finest châteaux, the hotel has beautiful terraced gardens bordered by Troglodyte caves, stunning river views and the choice of two exciting restaurants. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing. Antiques and attractive classic furnishings can be found throughout the rooms which are bright and light. Wander around the delightful gardens and admire the Italian sculptures, before retiring to the terrace for a glass of Vouvray Moelleux. Explore historic Amboise or take a river cruise. Return for gourmet cuisine either in the renowned formal restaurant or in Le Restaurant 36, where you can enjoy innovative, youthful creations for lunch. During summer, watch a ‘Son et Lumière’ show at Château d’Amboise.

Amboise

Le Choiseul Hotel

Day 4:Amboise

After being picked up from your hotel, the first port of call will be Chenonceau Castle. The “Chateau des Dames” (Ladies Castle), bridge built across the Cher river, is famous for the great feminine figures who lived in it (Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici’s…) and for the beauty of its Renaissance gardens. After a nice lunch (not included), visit Chambord; the masterpiece of the Loire valley chateaus. Built in the XVII century by François I, it is the second largest castle in France with its 365 fire place. End the day off by visiting the well-furnished, elegant XVII century Château of Cheverny. After the tour ends return to Amboise.

Accommodation: Le Choiseul (4*)

Chenonceau Castle

Day 5:Amboise - Bordeaux

Relax and enjoy a private transfer from Amboise to Bordeaux.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa (5*)

The Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa faces the impressive Grand Theatre and is located within the Golden Triangle, the finest shopping and pedestrian area of Bordeaux. Elegant as it was in the past, respecting its colorful history and offering the finest world class hospitality, Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa offers splendid guest rooms and suites decorated by the world-famous designer Jacques Garcia. These comfortable accommodations are equipped with the latest technology, including flat-screen televisions, free broadband Internet access, and heated marble bathrooms with Anne Sémonin’s welcome amenities. The hotel offers on-site gourmet eateries Le Pressoir d'Argent, and Brasserie l'Europe provide tempting menus, and Victor Bar and L'Orangerie are ideal for relaxing with a cocktail. The hotel's indoor pool, wellness centre and sauna facilities are a welcome treat after a days exploration, and there is complimentary high-speed, wireless Internet access available throughout the hotel.

Bordeaux

Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa

Day 6:Bordeaux

Enjoy a shared full day (8.5hrs) tour accompanied by a driver-guide. You will get to visit and taste wine in three prestigious classified growth Chateaus of different appellations. During these visits you will learn all there is to know about the history of the estates, the wine making process as well as the techniques used during the wine making. The visits are followed by a wine tasting session. (Wine tasting fees and a small bottle of water per person included). Then, follow the castle road to admire some of the most famous chateaus such as Chateau Margaux, Chateau Palmer or Chateau Pichon Longueville before returning to the drop off point.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa (5*)

Wine Tasting

Day 7:Bordeaux

Enjoy a full day with 3 wine tastings on a private guided excursion to the UNESCO heritage town of Saint Emilion with your own vehicle and English speaking Driver/Guide. Here, you will visit the underground monuments: the Monolithic Church, the Catacombs, The Trinity Chapel and the Hermitage, where, according to legend, Emilion spent 17 years (not included). Enjoy time at leisure where you can choose from any number of great restaurants in town before a visit and wine-tasting of a number of wines from the St Emilion appellation. Some of the most famous wines from this area include Beauséjour Bécot, Villemaurine, and Franc-Mayne. You will be brought back to your hotel at the end of the tour.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa (5*)

St. Emilion

Day 8:Bordeaux - Avignon

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Enjoy the train ride from Bordeaux to Avignon. A connection in Arles or Nimes is typically required. A private transfer from either of these stations to your accomodation can be arranged alternatively if you do not want to wait for the connection to Nice. Train duration from Bordeaux to Nice is approximately 6 hours.

Enjoy a train station transfer in Avignon with a private vehicle and driver.

Accommodation: Hotel De L`Horloge (4*)

Hotel de L'Horloge Hotel is set in a 19th century building which oozes charm and character and overlooks the picturesque Place de L'Horloge (Horloge square) in the very center of Avignon. Here, nestled between the Alpilles hills and the Luberon countryside, you will find yourself in the heart of a city which was once the capital of Christianity. All 66 modern and cozy rooms are traditionally furnished with a soft color scheme, many boasting excellent views into the city. The breakfast room, also part conservatory, will provide you with a delicious breakfast each morning.

Hotel De L'Horloge

Day 9:Avignon

Meet your private English speaking driver-guide and transportation for a half-day tour which takes in the roman sites of Orange, a wine tour through the vineyards, and a wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape. First, set out on a panoramic tour of Orange where you will be shown the Roman Arch of Triumph - the symbol of the Roman imperialism glory, before enjoying a visit to the Antic theater (entrance included) which is the most well-conserved theater in the Roman empire. From here, take a wine tour through the vineyards between Orange and Chateauneuf-du-Pape and stop for a panoramic view of the Rhone valley from the castle of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Finally, enjoy a wine tasting in a cellar in Chateauneuf du Pape before returning to Avignon. (Includes entrance to Antic Theatre in Orange and a wine tasting).

Accommodation: Hotel De L`Horloge (4*)

Roman Theatre of Orange

Day 10:Avignon

Enjoy a full day shared excursion visiting all of the top sites in the region - Pont du Gard, Les Baux de Provence, Antiques of Saint Remy de Provence, Luberon, Roussillon and Gordes. On this 10 hour shared tour by minibus, your English speaking driver-licensed guide will pick up from hotel and escort you to all of the aforementioned sites. Visit the Pont du Gard - the most preserved aqueduct of the Roman period of the 1st century before stopping off at the picturesque medieval hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence. The tour continues to the site of the Antiques of Saint Remy de Provence which is an impressive triumphal arch and funeral monument. Picturesque roads through olive groves, vineyards and fields to see some of the most beautiful villages in Luberon. The village of Roussillon is famous for its red and yellow ochre cliffs, unusual natural landscape. Continuation toward Gordes, hilltop village in Luberon, which ranks among the most beautiful villages in France, completely made with dry stones. Enjoy a photo stop at Senanque Abbey (from June 15th to July 15th only) to take pictures of the blooming lavender fields. Visit of the Lavender Museum to discover the flower symbol of Provence (entrance ticket included, closed in January). Demonstration of distillation during the harvest (from July to August). On Sunday only, enjoy L’Isle sur la Sorgue, village famous for antique shops and the weekly market.

Free time for lunch (not included) on your own during the day. Provençal markets in Gordes on Tuesday, in Saint Rémy de Provence on Wednesday, in Roussillon on Thursday and in L'Isle sur la Sorgue on Sunday. The order of visits may then change accordingly.

Accommodation: Hotel De L`Horloge (4*)

Pont du Gard

Day 11:Avignon - Nice

Enjoy a train station transfer in Avignon with a private vehicle and driver.

Take the high speed TGV from Avignon to Nice. Enjoy the scenery of the Provencal countryside during the approximately 3.5 hr journey.

Meet your private driver and transportation for a train station transfer.

Spend some time today exploring the city of Nice. Should you feel in any way active, you should head down to the boardwalk which parallels the azure waters of the Mediterranean. The temperature of the water is often warm enough to swim in year-round.

Accommodation: La Perouse (4*)

La Pérouse is located at the foot of Castle Hill, in the heart of Nice, with a breathtaking view of the legendary Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels). Elegantly renovated, the hotel offers a very special atmosphere, both refined and warm. Here visitors can enjoy classic Mediterranean style with contemporary comfort. A few steps lead from the hotel entrance to a small cozy lobby with large windows offering a magnificent view of the sea. On the hotel's top floor there is a picturesque terrace surrounded by the gardens of the Castle Hill. La Perouse features a jacuzzi, sauna, solarium and fitness center, allowing you to keep fit or simply relax and enjoy the magnificent views of the turquoise sea. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool and terrace overlooking the bay for guests to enjoy.

Nice

La Perouse

Day 12:Nice

Meet your private guide for a half-day walking tour in "Vieux Nice", France’s most Baroque old city. Discover the Cours Saleya with its flower market in the morning and a hundred stalls of plants, bouquets and cut flowers. Against the backdrop of the Castle Hill, this colorful display is a must. Discover the heart of the old town, its lively atmosphere and customs, the small St Francis Square with its fish market and fountain, other piazzas with their 17th and 18th Baroque churches, small cafes where the Niçois people like to meet, and winding alleys lined with quaint shops. No admissions included.

Enjoy a shared evening tour to the glamourous town of Monte Carlo. Drive along the seacoast road with its medieval villages, marinas, and panoramic viewpoints. Visit the charming medieval village of Eze and its amazing view. Travel by famous corniche road leading to Monaco. Then tour the Grand Prix circuit. Stop in Monte-Carlo, free time for dinner and enjoy the chic atmosphere of Casino Square and maybe try your luck at the tables or at slot machines. Included is a 3-course dinner on the terrace, overlooking the Grand Prix circuit, beside Casino square at Le Café de Paris. Choice of dishes from the “gourmet” menu + 1 glass of wine or beer or soft drink per person + bottle water + coffee incl. Admission to Grand Casino 10 € not included –min. age 18. Passport is required. Free entrance to other casinos. Includes: pick up/drop off at the hotel, English speaking driver guide.

Accommodation: La Perouse (4*)

Vieux Nice

Casino Square Monte Carlo

Day 13:Nice

Enjoy a full day shared tour by visiting Cannes and walking the famous Croisette Boulevard, by the Film Festival Palace, designer shops and smart sandy beaches. Drive through the charming countryside of Provence to Grasse, world capital of the perfume industry, for a guided tour of a perfumery or free time to visit the old town. View the Alps, valleys and spectacular coastline from the amazing perched medieval village of Gourdon. After lunch (not included) winding down charming Loup Gorges, and taste Riviera specialty flower sweets in traditional Florian Confectionary. Photo stop at a provencal jewel: Tourrettes/Loup. End the tour in the most visited village in France : St Paul de Vence, home of impressionist painters, with ancient cobblestone lanes, ramparts and art galleries. (Includes: pick up/drop off at the hotel, English speaking driver guide).

Accommodation: La Perouse (4*)

Cannes Harbor

Day 14:Nice

Airport transfer with private vehicle and driver. (A supplement for transfer between 8pm and 7am may be charged).

Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard)

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

We can customize this private tour just for you. Any element can be tailored – activities, length, hotels and destinations. Call us at 1 888 903-2001 or request a quote.

Trip Terms & Conditions

Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.

Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary

Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.

Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.

Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions

Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

Grand Hotel du Palais (5*): Paris

Set within an 18th-century building, the Grand Hotel is located in the heart of the city, 200 meters from the Louvre museum and Tuileries Gardens. A soothing, sumptuous escape, the hotel features neutral hues and a minimalist aesthetics. Best of all, it is steps away from the gardens of Palais Royal- just stroll through the colonnade across the street from the hotel's lobby and you will be transported to another time. The hotel offers modern upscale guestrooms furnished with elegant décor. The onsite restaurant serves delicious contemporary French cuisine. Other amenities include a Spa and a reasonably well-outfitted gym.

Grand Hotel du Palais (4*)

Le Choiseul (4*): Amboise

Le Choiseul is a four-star castle hotel, comprised of three charming manor houses dating from the 15th and 18th century. Overlooking the River Loire, Le Choiseul sits at the foot of Château d’Amboise. Close to most of the Loire Valley’s finest châteaux, the hotel has beautiful terraced gardens bordered by Troglodyte caves, stunning river views and the choice of two exciting restaurants. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing. Antiques and attractive classic furnishings can be found throughout the rooms which are bright and light. Wander around the delightful gardens and admire the Italian sculptures, before retiring to the terrace for a glass of Vouvray Moelleux. Explore historic Amboise or take a river cruise. Return for gourmet cuisine either in the renowned formal restaurant or in Le Restaurant 36, where you can enjoy innovative, youthful creations for lunch. During summer, watch a ‘Son et Lumière’ show at Château d’Amboise.

Le Choiseul Hotel

Guestroom

Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa (5*): Bordeaux

The Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa faces the impressive Grand Theatre and is located within the Golden Triangle, the finest shopping and pedestrian area of Bordeaux. Elegant as it was in the past, respecting its colorful history and offering the finest world class hospitality, Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa offers splendid guest rooms and suites decorated by the world-famous designer Jacques Garcia. These comfortable accommodations are equipped with the latest technology, including flat-screen televisions, free broadband Internet access, and heated marble bathrooms with Anne Sémonin’s welcome amenities. The hotel offers on-site gourmet eateries Le Pressoir d'Argent, and Brasserie l'Europe provide tempting menus, and Victor Bar and L'Orangerie are ideal for relaxing with a cocktail. The hotel's indoor pool, wellness centre and sauna facilities are a welcome treat after a days exploration, and there is complimentary high-speed, wireless Internet access available throughout the hotel.

Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa

Dining Room

Hotel De L`Horloge (4*): Avignon

Hotel de L'Horloge Hotel is set in a 19th century building which oozes charm and character and overlooks the picturesque Place de L'Horloge (Horloge square) in the very center of Avignon. Here, nestled between the Alpilles hills and the Luberon countryside, you will find yourself in the heart of a city which was once the capital of Christianity. All 66 modern and cozy rooms are traditionally furnished with a soft color scheme, many boasting excellent views into the city. The breakfast room, also part conservatory, will provide you with a delicious breakfast each morning.

Hotel De L'Horloge

La Perouse (4*): Nice

La Pérouse is located at the foot of Castle Hill, in the heart of Nice, with a breathtaking view of the legendary Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels). Elegantly renovated, the hotel offers a very special atmosphere, both refined and warm. Here visitors can enjoy classic Mediterranean style with contemporary comfort. A few steps lead from the hotel entrance to a small cozy lobby with large windows offering a magnificent view of the sea. On the hotel's top floor there is a picturesque terrace surrounded by the gardens of the Castle Hill. La Perouse features a jacuzzi, sauna, solarium and fitness center, allowing you to keep fit or simply relax and enjoy the magnificent views of the turquoise sea. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool and terrace overlooking the bay for guests to enjoy.

Everything was perfect. The scheduling of drivers, trains and guides was perfect. Hotel accommodations (rooms) were the best at each hotel. Superb. Kensington Tours out did themselves.

Curtis M — October 25, 2017 — Europe

Our trip experience was excellent. We are very likely to use Kensington again to plan our next trip to destinations that are new to us.

Betty Berke — November 09, 2017 — Europe

Our trip was well organized and paced. Guides and drivers were all knowledgeable and friendly. Trip agent was also quite helpful.

Cynthia B — November 09, 2017 — Europe

Amazing attention to detail and personalizing the experience for each of us. The tours provided Historical information specific to each of our interests.

Alyssa B — November 09, 2017 — Europe

Thank you so much for helping make our honeymoon amazing! You guys made the process of planning and travel stress-free. We will never forget all the amazing experiences we had.

Lowell A — November 09, 2017 — Europe

We totally appreciate the quality of the guides, knowledge, expertise, history of family and relationship, attention to detail. I especially appreciate the personal touch.

Kimberly M — September 15, 2017 — Europe

Fiona was fabulous and planned a dream vacation for us from start to finish. Our guides and tours were all very personable, knowledgeable, and comfortable. Our drivers were very punctual and professional. Our itinerary and tickets kept us knowing exactly where and when we needed to be somewhere. The weather, food and hotels were amazing. We truly had our dream vacation and now need a beach vacation to recuperate from the fast paced vacation we just returned from! Would recommend your agency to anyone! Thank You!

James M — November 09, 2017 — Europe

The information exchange in planning the tour went very well. The tour information and itinerary provided for the trip was the best and most complete for any tour we have taken. All drivers and tour guides were available at the exact minute scheduled. The guide in Athens, particularly, was excellent and answered all of our many questions as well as being very in tune to our needs. We had several questions for local staff and they responded immediately. In addition, we recommend the Hotel Kouros in Mykonos to anyone. A beautiful well maintained hotel with an excellent staff on all levels.

Elizabeth N — November 09, 2017 — Europe

Our guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating. I appreciated the flexibility in catering to elderly travelers. We got so much more out of the trip with a private driver and guide. Worth the money. A memorable success!

Ronald C — November 07, 2017 — Europe

Emma Winter, did an amazing job of trying to match the activities we were looking for. The whole process of arranging and completing our travel plans was seamless and hassle free. I'm definitely looking forward to working with Emma and Kensington Tours for our next excursion.